Toyota isn’t exactly known for throwing wild anniversary parties—but Lexus just proved that even luxury automakers can cut loose when the occasion calls for it. On September 9, roughly 5,000 dealership staff gathered in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, for a sprawling celebration of Lexus’s 20-year history in Japan.
While Chairman Akio Toyoda couldn’t attend in person, he surprised the audience with a recorded message of gratitude—and a strange invitation to “play with them.” Enter: a troupe of men in Morizo masks who stormed the stage, breakdancing and delivering street performances that set the tone for the day.
But this wasn’t just a corporate pep rally. The event doubled as a look back at two decades of Lexus milestones, complete with a quiz where participants had to identify models based on nothing but their engine note. (Yes, apparently some Lexus staff can tell an LFA from an IS F by ear alone.)
The biggest news came from Lexus president Koji Sato, who’s been part of the brand’s journey since 2005, first as an engineer and now as its top executive. Sato took the stage to preview a concept for a next-generation battery-electric vehicle—a hint at where the brand’s design and technology are headed. Then he dropped a genuine world premiere: the new Lexus IS.
“The Lexus is a brand we all built together,” Sato told the audience. “Let’s all discover a new Lexus that we’ve never seen before.”
For many in attendance, the sentiment struck home. Dealership staff called Lexus “part of my life” and pledged to carry the brand forward into its next decade. If the first 20 years were about carving out a place in Japan’s competitive luxury market, the next 10 look set to be defined by electrification, design experimentation, and, apparently, a little breakdancing flair.
Lexus didn’t need long to figure out that its pint-sized LBX crossover struck a chord. Since its 2023 debut, the “premium casual” runabout has brought more than 23,000 new buyers into the fold, making it the brand’s second-best seller in Europe. Now comes the LBX Vibrant Edition, a limited-run model that doubles down on style and swagger.
The name doesn’t lie: this is Lexus leaning into the LBX’s “street-smart” vibe with extra garnish. Matte-black 18-inch wheels, gloss-black spoilers, and darker trim pieces give the Vibrant Edition more bite than the standard Emotion model. The grille treatment borrows from the rowdy LBX RR Morizo concept—jet-black plating with a hint of menace. Color choices are narrow but bold: bi-tone Ruby Red or Sonic Quartz with a black roof, or a full Astral Black suit for those who prefer stealth.
Inside, Lexus turns up the drama with semi-aniline leather in black, set off by Dark Rose bolsters, knee pads, and seat belts. The brand’s eye for detail shows up in red Tatami stitching across the seatbacks—a flourish you won’t find in most small SUVs. It’s sporty cosplay with genuine Lexus craftsmanship.
The Vibrant Edition doesn’t just play dress-up. Standard kit includes an eight-way power driver’s seat, ambient lighting with 64 selectable shades, wireless phone charging, and Lexus’s nanoe-X air purification system (because your latte isn’t the only thing that deserves foam). Paddle shifters make an appearance too, though don’t expect Nürburgring lap times. Power comes from the familiar 1.5-liter three-cylinder hybrid system, good for 136 horsepower. With its tidy 10.4-meter turning circle, the LBX is still aimed squarely at Europe’s crowded city centers.
Lexus will build the LBX Vibrant Edition for just eight months, from September 2025 through May 2026. Consider it the brand’s way of reminding you that luxury doesn’t always have to be big—or quiet.
Lexus isn’t rewriting the playbook for the 2026 NX, but the brand’s compact luxury crossover does pick up a few thoughtful updates to keep it sharp in one of the most competitive segments on the market. Minor changes across trims, a broader range of drivetrain options, and a handful of interior and tech enhancements aim to keep the NX fresh without straying from its already successful formula.
What’s New for 2026?
The most noteworthy news is that the hybrid NX 350h can now be had with front-wheel drive, joining the existing AWD setup and opening the door to slightly better fuel economy and a lower starting price. The athletic F SPORT Handling package—previously gas-only—has migrated over to the hybrid models, meaning all NX powertrains can now be dressed for maximum attitude.
On the plug-in side, Lexus has added a Premium grade to the NX 450h+ lineup, giving shoppers a cheaper entry point into the PHEV. Every plug-in now comes standard with dual-voltage charging cables, making Level 1 and Level 2 charging a plug-and-play affair.
Cosmetic tweaks include a new Infrared paint option across all trims, while Ultra White—once limited—can now be had lineup-wide. The trim walk continues as before: Standard, Premium, Luxury, and the performance-leaning F SPORT Handling.
Engines, Hybrids, and a Plug-In Too
The NX remains a buffet of powertrains under Lexus’s “Electrified” vision. Four main flavors exist, and all come with their own strengths:
NX 350 (AWD): A turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four making 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic. It’s good for 0–60 mph in 6.6 seconds and an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined.
NX 350h (FWD or AWD): A hybrid setup with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and up to two electric motors, delivering 240 combined horsepower. The AWD variant manages 39 mpg combined, while the new FWD spec squeaks out 40 mpg and a slower 8.2-second 0–60 run.
NX 450h+ (AWD): The plug-in flagship, capable of 37 miles of electric-only range and a stellar 84 MPGe rating. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder and hybrid system deliver a brisk 6.0-second 0–60. Fully charging the battery takes around three hours on 240V.
That spread gives the NX lineup a powertrain for nearly everyone—from traditionalists to eco-minded commuters.
Design Inside and Out
The NX’s exterior remains familiar: low center of gravity, pinched rear, and the controversial spindle grille leading the charge. Lexus offers up to eight paint choices depending on trim, with new Infrared and Ultra White brightening the palette. F SPORT Handling variants dial up the aggression with unique 20-inch wheels, blacked-out trim, and sport seats wrapped in Black and Circuit Red NuLuxe.
The cabin stays very Lexus: tightly screwed together, calm, and modern. NuLuxe upholstery is standard on lower trims, while Luxury buyers can step into leather. Interior color options span Black, Palomino, Rioja Red, and Macadamia, with ambient lighting themes (Rain Forest, Sunset, Waterfall) adding a boutique feel.
Optional niceties include a panoramic glass roof, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround system, and even Advanced Park, which can handle parallel and perpendicular maneuvers for you.
Tech, Safety, and Convenience
The Lexus Interface infotainment system comes standard with a 9.8-inch touchscreen, expandable to a 14-inch unit. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, along with up to six USB ports sprinkled throughout the cabin. Features like a digital key, cloud-based navigation, and Lexus’s Intelligent Assistant are available by subscription.
Every 2026 NX now rolls off the line with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. That includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and traffic sign recognition. Newer touches like Proactive Driving Assist and Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection push the NX toward semi-autonomous territory.
The 2026 Lexus NX isn’t revolutionizing the compact luxury crossover segment, but it doesn’t need to. Instead, Lexus has doubled down on offering choice—whether you want turbocharged performance, hybrid efficiency, or plug-in flexibility—and wrapped it all in a package that feels premium without being fussy. The subtle updates for 2026 broaden its appeal, particularly with the new hybrid FWD option and cheaper plug-in Premium trim.
The NX won’t light a fire in enthusiasts’ hearts, but it continues to deliver exactly what most buyers in this class want: sharp looks, a serene cabin, and just enough tech and efficiency to feel ahead of the curve.
